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Science News for November 29, 2017


How a biophysical simulation method might accelerate drug target discovery

Researchers developed a computational simulation method to predict protein sequence changes for efficient membrane insertion, correlating improved insertion efficiency with increased protein yield. The new approach offers a way forward for membrane protein researchers struggling to express their proteins.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateNov 29, 2017

New method maps chemicals in the skin

A new chemical imaging method allows for precise measurement of substances in human skin, providing opportunities to develop pharmaceuticals and cosmetics while minimizing animal experiments. The technology enables researchers to design products with controlled skin absorption and determine safe limits for harmful levels of substances.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalContact Dermatitis·DateNov 29, 2017

Can a rude waiter make your food less tasty?

Research by Jaehoon Lee suggests that lower class individuals are more likely to assume food will be less delicious due to poor service, while higher class people do not typically make this assumption. This holistic view of life creates a 'carryover effect', leading to negative judgments about other aspects of the consumer experience.

SourceSociety for Consumer Psychology·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateNov 29, 2017

When brands tempt us to lie, cheat and steal

A study published in the Journal of Consumer Psychology found that consumers are more likely to engage in dishonest behavior, such as shoplifting or piracy, if they perceive a company as harming the environment or people. This effect occurs even when consumers have not personally had a bad experience with the company.

SourceSociety for Consumer Psychology·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateNov 29, 2017

Urban American-Indian, Alaskan natives may have lower survival following invasive cancer

The study found that urban American-Indian and Alaskan Native individuals had a higher risk of mortality from prostate and breast cancer, with AIANs facing an 87% increased risk for prostate cancer-specific mortality. The community's unique history of social and environmental injustices may be contributing to these disparities.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Research·DateNov 29, 2017

Innovative microscope poised to propel optogenetics studies

A new microscope, Firefly, has been developed to study brain activity and neurological disorders. With a 6-millimeter-diameter field of view, the microscope can image neural circuits containing hundreds of cells, allowing for the observation of electrical pulses traveling between neurons.

SourceOptica·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateNov 29, 2017

Empowering workers can cause uncertainty and resentment

Research by the University of Exeter Business School found that empowering workers can have a negative impact on their day-to-day performance, especially for routine and structured tasks. However, it can be effective when used for creative tasks, motivating employees to work harder and be more proactive.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Organizational Behavior·DateNov 29, 2017

Not all Republicans are climate change doubters

A recent study reveals substantial differences in climate change views between Republican elites and their party members, with only a quarter of Republicans believing human-caused climate change. The research also finds that Republican support for climate policies varies by state, with Southern Florida showing strong backing for regula...

SourceSpringer·JournalClimatic Change·DateNov 29, 2017

Paired mutations: a new approach to discovering the shape of proteins

Researchers developed a new approach to identify protein structure from sole sequence information by analyzing paired mutations across thousands of protein family members. This method identified sequence covariations that uncover the protein's macrostructure and its fundamental structural and functional units.

SourceScuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 29, 2017

Time between world-changing volcanic super-eruptions less than previously thought

A team from the University of Bristol analyzed geological records to find that volcanic super-eruptions occur much more frequently than previously estimated, with a new average time between events of around 17 thousand years. This re-evaluation raises concerns about the potential impact on global weather patterns and human civilization.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateNov 29, 2017

Penn researchers: An injectable gel that helps heart muscle regenerate after heart attack

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed an injectable gel that slowly releases microRNAs to stimulate heart muscle regeneration. The gel's unique properties allow it to target specific signaling pathways related to cell proliferation, resulting in improved recovery rates and potentially life-prolonging effects.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateNov 29, 2017

NIH study of WWII evacuees suggests mental illness may be passed to offspring

A recent NIH study found that the children of female WWII evacuees were more likely to experience mental health disorders, including depression and bipolar disorder. The research suggests that a mother's childhood traumatic exposure may have long-lasting health consequences for her daughters.

Bones show prehistoric women's intensive manual labor during advent of agriculture

A recent study reveals prehistoric women performed intensive manual labor for thousands of years, surpassing modern female athletes. This finding highlights the crucial role of women's labor in agriculture's development and underscores the importance of using female comparative data to interpret past behavior.

Biologists taught infusoria to fight poisons

Biologists found a new substance, isocitric acid, with anti-oxidant properties that increased the survival rate of infusoria by 25-31 times compared to untreated cells. The compound also surpassed the effects of ascorbic acid, offering a promising solution for protecting living organisms from various toxic compounds.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalPreparative Biochemistry & Biotechnology·DateNov 29, 2017

Debate over doubt

A new study by UC Santa Barbara researcher Matto Mildenberger finds substantial differences in Republican and Democratic climate change views across different states and congressional districts. The research reveals varied opinions among Republicans on issues like climate policies, renewable energy, and carbon regulations, despite part...

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalClimatic Change·DateNov 29, 2017

Nature's blueprint

Scientists at the University of Konstanz have created a more durable cement based on the nanostructure of sea urchin spines, which is significantly more resistant to fractures. The new material's elastic properties are comparable to those of mussel shells and reach values of up to 200 megapascals.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 29, 2017

A step forward for quantum computing

A team of physicists from Harvard University has developed a special type of quantum computer, known as a quantum simulator, which is programmed by capturing super-cooled rubidium atoms with lasers. The system could shed new light on material properties and complex optimization problems.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·DateNov 29, 2017

Theory of the evolution of sexes tested with algae

A University of Adelaide researcher tested a theory on the evolution of sexes in algae, finding that the classic Disruptive Selection Theory is supported. The study used data from various species of green algae and found that the ratio of larger gametes to smaller ones must be greater than three for males and females to evolve stably.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalEcology and Evolution·DateNov 29, 2017

Low vitamin D levels at birth linked to higher autism risk

A recent study of 27,940 Chinese newborns found that low vitamin D levels at birth were associated with a higher risk of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) at age 3. The risk was significantly increased in each lower quartile of vitamin D level compared to the highest quartile.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateNov 29, 2017

The Lancet Infectious Diseases: Rise of ampicillin resistance began years before human use -- likely triggered by overuse of penicillins in agriculture in the 1950s

Bacteria resistant to ampicillin emerged several years before its widespread use in humans, according to a new study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases. Low doses of penicillin added to animal feed in the 1950s and 60s may have encouraged antibiotic-resistant bacteria to evolve and spread.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateNov 29, 2017

Home-based activity program helps older veterans with Dementia maintain function

A home-based activity program called Tailored Activity Program (TAP) was found to significantly reduce dementia-related behaviors in veterans, as well as decrease caregiver distress. After four months, nearly 70% of TAP group participants eliminated or reduced their behavioral symptoms compared to 46% in the control group.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateNov 29, 2017

Robust Bain distortion in the premartensite phase of a platinum-substituted Ni2MnGa

Scientists at Max Planck Institute discovered robust Bain distortion in premartensite phase of Pt-substituted Ni2MnGa, which transforms to martensite with additional Bain distortion on further cooling. This phenomenon enhances applicability as magnetic actuators and refrigeration technology due to lower hysteresis.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 29, 2017